Plan a Memorial Day Family Picnic

There are very few holidays where the idea of having a picnic comes to mind, and Memorial Day is one of them. Being the first warm-weathered holiday that most people are off of work and out of school for, beaches, mountains and parks will be filled with people and their picnic baskets. Here are a few ideas on how to have the perfect picnic, what to bring and how to be sure everyone has a great time!

Location can be tricky for picnics. Mention the idea of having a picnic to your family members and family friends early on and get a definite headcount on all of those who plan on attending. Contact your local park services and ask if you can reserve a pavilion or even an area of tables. Most parks hold the covered or sheltered areas for large parties, so if you know you'll have a lot of people grubbin' with you, get your name on the list as early as possible. The sheltered areas are usually reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Choosing a park can be tricky, especially when there's only one nearby and you live in a heavily populated area. Scope out the area you live in or around for little parks other than the big one nearby. The smaller parks might be less crowded than the big one.

The rule of food... If you have decided to organize the family picnic, let others help you by bringing things they either volunteer or things that you specifically ask them to bring. Have a plan for the food and a list of who's bringing what. Think smart and safety when it comes to the foods you'll be offering at the picnic. Potato salad might seem like the perfect picnic side dish, but if left out in the sun too long on a hot day, the mayonnaise will spoil and no one will be able to enjoy their salad. Stick with things that are easy. You can prepare sandwiches at home the night before the picnic, wrap them in plastic or put them in plastic bags and mark which each sandwich contains with a marker. Forgo things like egg salad, chicken salad, tuna and pimento cheese. Make a few peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and honey sandwiches for the kids...and maybe even some of the big kids, too! Do the same thing with potato chips or pretzels- make up individual servings in pre-portioned baggies. This way, everyone will have their own and you won't have to worry about kids sticking their dirty hands into the chip bag, licking their fingers and then repeating that process. If you own a divided server that allows you to put a frozen tray of ice underneath, cup up some veggie sticks like carrots and celery to offer a healthy treat. Skip the salad dressing dips, though- that's another thing that even if kept on ice won't last very long in the heat of the day. Ask someone to bring a little something for dessert, but remember to keep it simple. Brownies or cookies are a good way to go because they don't require silverware, don't make much of a mess, and won't spoil in the sun like frosted cake might.

Take along plenty of paper napkins and plates. Ask everyone to be responsible for bringing their own drinks for themselves and their family. There are too many different kinds of drinks and there will be too many people for you to try to please everyone. Remember to make sure someone brings along some water. After all, it's really the only thing that will quench a real thirst on a hot day. Remember that soda, tea and coffee will not only make you have to use the restroom more frequently, they will also leave you extra thirsty.

If you aren't able to reserve a covered picnic area, just bring along some old blankets and lawn chairs. There's nothing wrong with sitting on a blanket under a beautiful shade tree and enjoying the earth.

What else to bring? Make sure you have sunscreen and bug spray- especially if you have little ones with you. You'll want to also pack along band-aids, antiseptic cream or spray, and anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitizer. Hats are probably a good idea if you plan to stay out enjoying the sun for the better part of the day. Make sure you all have sunglasses, as well.

What to wear. Though summertime and sandals go hand in hand, it might be a good idea to skip them for the picnic and wear sneakers with thick socks. There might be a nature trail nearby that you want to take a walk along, there might be a playground, or a duck pond. No one wants to go home with blisters or scrapes on their tootsies. Dress comfortably. Forget designer skirts, ladies! Wear shorts, a comfy t-shirt and bring a light jacket or sweater in case it gets cooler later in the day.

Fun and games... Play a fun game the whole family can enjoy! If you can't settle on one, invent a new family game that's fun and easy to play. Involve everyone in making the rules, and the best part- coming up with a name!
Go for a walk together and just enjoy the nature all around you. If there's a duck pond nearby, tote along a loaf of stale bread to feed to the ducks (only if the park allows it).

Have a great time picnicking with your family! Make hats or t-shirts that everyone can wear for your annual picnic. Bring along a camera and take as many goofy pictures as you can. Start making these memories early on with your children, and they'll be memories that will never be forgotten. They might even want to carry on the same tradition when they have children of their own! Cherish every moment you have to spend with your family and make the most of it. Laugh, tell jokes, tell old family stories and have a great Memorial Day!